randerson

Just curious if anyone has owned one, what their impressions were, problem areas, etc.

I have an S6 avant, am keeping, but looking for a wagon for the wife (needs auto). Moving to Portland, OR, so like the AWD factor, plus IPD (the aftermarket Volvo gurus) are right there.

Thanks,
Robert
'95.5 S6 avant, 76,000 mi, IA stage III+, Big reds, Eibach/Billstein

Mr.FRU-T-Pants

I may be moving there, too. I need to take a trip out there soon.

Brdman*

nice car, handled well, but was very SLOW. Massive Turbo lag. I'm guessing the R version is much quicker though. The front seats are the best in the biz, but interior is not Audi level.

ICE RCKT

Had one in the family for 3 years now. The '98s were known for a tendancy for throwing ECLs randomly, and the window switches tend to go every now and then (the new replacement switches aren't affected by repeat offences). In 3 years of owning a '98 AWD, there haven't been any major issues of note. The AWD and AWDR are identical save the front bumper/fogs, 16" R rims, interior trim (suede/leather), sound system, and of course 40 more hp. The 2000 R was unique in that it got a more powerful engine (diferent head! 280hp iirc) vs 236. The 2000 also came with a factory dual-outlet exhaust. The '98 has been great as far as performance/reliability. There's nothing better than an 8 hour hwy drive and getting out at the end said drive, and your butt/back only think you drove to the corner store. I have scoliosis, for what it's worth.

One more thing, our '98 was in a relatively bad offset front collision, resulting in $20000CDN total bill. This included 40 days of rental car... The other driver didn't yield the right of way, so my insurance wasn't affected. The accident was 60Km/h, nearly head-on, only the front passenger corner was hit. Since repaired (2 years ago now), the car is no different, although a couple of squeeks and rattles have made themselves known. No issues with alignment, or subsequent issues at all.

as a reply to Brdman*'s post, the XC70 has the low pressure turbo, 197hp, ~200ft-lb. This is the same engine in the AWD. You can't tell when the car's in boost or not, the lpt makes the engine feel like a larger n/a one. the AWDR, or T5 cars have 236hp ~240ft-lb. These have slight turbo lag, and are much stronger in the top end.
I agree about the seat comment, and in all fairness the interiors are not up to the same level as an Audi.

How many turbo inline-5's are you looking to have in the driveway? lol